Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free
Question

I got into an accident by I'm not on the insurance

I was driving my mom's car and I got into an accident. My name is not on the insurance. Will it be covered? I was on my way to a job interview and I had a collision with an 18-wheeler. Nobody got hurt but the windows of the right side got shattered and the frames are damaged. It would cost around $3000 to fix. The police gave the truck driver and me a warning and nobody is at fault for the accident. So my question is, will the insurance company help us? Should I even tell the insurance company? The insurance is Progressive. And again the insurance on the car is under my mom's name and not mine.

Jan 29, 2018 Newnan, Georgia

Answer
Author profile picture

Ava Lynch

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • 7+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Ava joined The Zebra as a writer and licensed insurance agent in 2016. She now works as a senior insurance contributor, providing insights and data a…

It would depend whether or not you live with your mom. Insurance companies like for anyone who lives with the insured either be added or excluded from the insurance policy. This is because, if you live with someone, the likelihood of sharing vehicles is quite high and insurance companies want to know all risks they are exposed to. If, however, you don't live with the insured (your mom) or don't use the vehicle frequently (less than 12 times a year, for example), it's very likely the damage will be covered. Some insurance policies have a "permissive user" clause built into them for situations like this. I would check with the policy documentation to see if there's any additional information regarding "permissive user." Best of luck.
Ask an Agent
Have a question? We're here to help.
Ask an agent for free

Insurance is complicated, but it doesn't have to be.

The Zebra searches all of the top insurance companies, in one place, so you can compare the cost and coverage you need to protect your car, home and other property.

Step 1: Tell us a little about yourself

Choose an insurance product and enter your zip code to get started.

Step 2: Sip your coffee while we find the best quotes

Enter the necessary information and then sit back while we find quotes from 100 top insurance carriers.

Icon Fill Form

Step 3: Compare your quotes

Compare quotes side-by-side to find the right match for you, whether it's home, auto, or more.

Icon Agent

Step 4: Let our agents do the hard work for you

Once you pick your policy, our agents are here to get you over the finish line. Then just relax and enjoy your savings.

Compare insurance rates today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related Questions

Other people are also asking...

If I hit a pole at a gas station and damaged my car will my policy cover the cost of fixing it?

In this situation, your policy will need to include collision coverage in order for the damage to be covered. State laws do not require this type of coverage so it's possible that it's not part of your policy. If you're unsure whether or not you have it, we recommend contacting your …
Aug 31, 2016 Cedartown, GA

Do I need to put everyone in my household on my policy?

It's usually recommended to add everyone who lives in the household on the same policy if it's likely they will be driving the insured car, and insurance companies generally require everyone in the household of driving age to be listed on the policy. But if the others in the household alr…
Aug 12, 2019 Miami, FL

Do parking tickets affect insurance?

Parking tickets do not get reported to your state's DMV, so this type of ticket won't affect your car insurance rates. One major caveat is whether or not you pay off the ticket. Failure to pay for the ticket could result in your license being suspended which would affect your insurance ra…
Feb 19, 2016 Atlanta, GA

Can my son borrow my vehicle to use on the weekends

This can be tricky. Since he doesn't live in your residence full-time, he no longer needs to be listed on the policy. But, his ability to use your car will depend on the specific conditions of your car insurance policy. Namely, do you have what's called permissive user. Permissive use or …
Jul 28, 2018 Smithtown, NY